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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

A Joyful Cottage Christmas 2016

In keeping with our simple lifestyle, I've taken a minimal approach to decorating at A Joyful Cottage this year.

A nature-inspired wreath hangs on our door.

Potted rosemary is dressed in plaid and accessorized with a burlap "Merry Christmas" star. If we happen to brush the rosemary as we enter the cottage we receive a pleasant scent as a reward.

The fireplace is the focal point of our cottage, so it's where I expend the most Christmas decorating energy. You'll find the whole story of my mantel transformation from its every day look to Christmas splendor at Wayfair, and have a chance to see the pretty Christmas mantels of seven other bloggers.

A tablecloth done in Swedish weaving covers the dining table. (You can read more about the tablecloth in last year's Christmas post here.) It's one of our favorite possessions.

In line with the Scandinavian simplicity, the centerpiece is a humble wooden bowl filled with rag balls, pine cones and a tiny wreath.

I've had this nativity for almost twenty years. It wouldn't be Christmas without it.

The little cubby where I keep cookbooks receives some attention, too.

I like to make small seasonal changes on my stove hood shelf.

The snow globe I received last year from AnnMarie ofMusings of a Vintage Junkiereminds me that I've made wonderful friends through blogging.

One of the collages I made hangs on my studio door.

Finally, the teeniest of tiny Christmas trees. . .nestled next to the plants in my garden window.

This is Christmas 2016 at A Joyful Cottage. Uncomplicated and relaxed. Life is good. God's in His heaven -- all's right with the world.

Perfect, Nancy! I went with less this year, but feel so relaxed in each room. The simple twinkle of the lights is enough for me. Your whole place looks lovely, but that red plate on your mantle really caught my eye! xo

You've created a warm cozy atmosphere with your holiday treasures sprinkled throughout your cottage, Nancy. I like that everything you've displayed has a special place in your heart. Your dining room looks so pretty bathed in sunlight, and your shelf on your stove hood is so pretty! Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas home tour with us!

You are such an inspiration! I also have gone minimalist this year with my Christmas decor. No tree, just some pine cones and berries and a wreath similar to yours on my front door. Christmas blessings to you and yours this holiday season.

Everything is delightful . . . simple and charming.I love the nature-inspired wreath on the front door and the rag wrapped balls in the wooden bowl. It's a lovely home and the red paint together with the white snow, makes a picture worthy of a Christmas card :)

Dearest Nancy, you and me both; we have come to decide that simplicity is the way to go this year AND with a natural theme. I love your Scandinavian style decor, with wood, antique table (love that little one by the window) and pine cones, wreaths, other items. I do love glitz and glitter, but this year, nature shines more brightly for me.

Hello Nancy, I hadn't realized you were back! That's good news and I enjoyed my visit to your simple and uncomplicated cottage Christmas. I love your collage, it reminds me a an old Redbook December magazine I've kept for many decades. They used to feature a couple of families in it each December and one of them specialized in Christmas banners made up of bits of lace on old denim scraps. The whole spirit of your house reminded me of hers.

Hi Nancy Thank you for your surprise visit. How lovely and it made my day! I like how you are going simple for Christmas. I suppose I am too by getting rid of wrapping paper. I do like your nativity scene - looks sweet - did I miss it where you said you put it? I do like pops of red at Christmas it does much to warm and brighten during such a dark time of year. Merry Christmas to you! Hugs Ronda

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Welcome to A Joyful Cottage

For as long as I can remember I've loved cottages. These cozy places, with abundant flowers and sunshine, give me a sense of peace and contentment. Walking through the front door of a cottage one sees simple, timeless decor: fresh cut flowers in unexpected containers, vintage fabrics, painted furniture and well-worn books. This isn't a home where everything matches and that makes the rooms even more enchanting. They're decidedly and lovingly filled with whatever things bring joy to the inhabitants. Come with me and explore the beauty and simplicity of a cottage life, no matter where you live.

All material on this blog is mine unless stated otherwise. If you'd like to use or publish anything you find here, please contact me for permission. I'm easy to get along with.